AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: Nepali team sign off without single win
Nepal signed off the AFC Asian Cup Group ‘F’ Qualifiers with a single win after losing to 2-1 against Yemen in their last match at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Tuesday.
Nepal signed off the AFC Asian Cup Group ‘F’ Qualifiers with a single win after losing to 2-1 against Yemen in their last match at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Tuesday.
Already eliminated from the race for next year’s Finals in the United Arab Emirates, Nepal conceded the goals either side of the break. Abdullah Al-Matari struck both the goals for Yemen. Nawayug Shrestha replied for Nepal, who held Yemen to a goalless draw in their home game in Kathmandu on June 17 last year.
Al-Matari gave 24th minute lead to Yemen but Shrestha equalised in the 45th minute. Al-Matari scored the decider six minutes from time through penalty, which was awarded after skipper Biraj Maharjan tripped a Yeman player.
Nepal wrapped up the Qualifiers at the bottom with two points from six matches. Nepal had also played a goalless draw at home to Philippines in November last year. Nepal conceded a total of 11 goals and scored three in the four-team pool. Only Bishal Rai, Bimal Gharti Magar and Shrestha were able to score in the Qualifiers.
Philippines (12 points) and Yemen (10 points) qualified for as group winners and runners-up while Tajikistan, who earned seven points, joined Nepal on the sidelines.
19.16°C Kathmandu
